Week 14 - Oncology Flashcards

What is cancer?

What is cancer?

Uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells caused by genetic mutations.

Name the two major classifications of pediatric cancers.

Hematologic malignancies (blood) and solid tumors.

What are common types of pediatric cancers?

Leukemia (ALL, AML), lymphomas (Hodgkin's, Non-Hodgkin's), Wilms tumor, osteosarcoma, retinoblastoma, neuroblastoma, and brain tumors.

How do childhood cancers differ from adult cancers?

Childhood cancers often involve the mesoderm (blood, bone, muscle) and are rarely linked to lifestyle or environmental factors.

What are general warning signs of childhood cancer?

Unusual mass/swelling, prolonged fever, pallor, bruising, persistent pain/limping, unexplained weight loss, vision changes.

What are common symptoms of leukemia (ALL & AML)?

Fatigue, pallor, fever, bone pain, bruising, petechiae, hepatosplenomegaly, infections.

What are the key symptoms of Hodgkin's lymphoma?

Painless lymphadenopathy, fever, night sweats, weight loss, fatigue, pruritus.

How does osteosarcoma typically present?

Bone pain, swelling, decreased range of motion, fractures, often mistaken for growing pains.

What are the hallmark symptoms of retinoblastoma?

Leukocoria (white pupillary reflex), strabismus, eye redness, vision loss.

What is the main goal of chemotherapy?

To stop or slow the growth of rapidly dividing cancer cells.

What are side effects of chemotherapy?

Bone marrow suppression, nausea/vomiting, hair loss, mucositis, neuropathy.

How is radiation therapy used in children?

To target DNA of cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue, often for brain tumors, lymphomas, or solid tumors.

What is the purpose of a stem cell transplant?

To restore bone marrow after high-dose chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

What is biotherapy (immunotherapy)?

Enhances the immune system to target cancer cells, e.g., CAR-T therapy for ALL.

What precautions are important for neutropenic patients?

Strict hand hygiene, avoid sick individuals, and monitor for fever/infection.

How should pain be managed in children with cancer?

Use pharmacological (opioids, NSAIDs) and non-pharmacological methods (distraction, heat therapy).

What dietary recommendations are important for children undergoing cancer treatment?

High-calorie, high-protein diet; soft/bland foods for mucositis.

How can nurses support the psychosocial needs of children with cancer?

Provide age-appropriate explanations, involve child life specialists, address anxiety, and support families.

What is the typical presentation of a Wilms tumor?

Abdominal mass, hematuria, hypertension, and fever; avoid palpating the mass to prevent rupture.

What are common symptoms of neuroblastoma?

Abdominal mass, bone pain, periorbital ecchymoses ("raccoon eyes"), hypertension.

What distinguishes Hodgkin's from Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma?

Hodgkin's: Reed-Sternberg cells, predictable spread. Non-Hodgkin's: Diffuse disease, rapid dissemination.

What is a hallmark sign of brain tumors in children?

Morning headache and vomiting due to increased intracranial pressure.

What are long-term complications of cancer treatments?

Secondary cancers, growth delays, organ dysfunction, infertility, cognitive impairments.

How can mucositis be managed in children receiving chemotherapy?

Frequent mouth care, pain management, "magic mouthwash," and maintaining hydration.

What are nursing priorities for a febrile neutropenic child?

Obtain blood cultures immediately, initiate antibiotics within one hour, and monitor for signs of infection

What is the primary site of origin for Wilms tumor?

The kidney (nephroblastoma).

What is a critical nursing intervention for children with Wilms tumor?

Avoid palpating the abdomen after diagnosis to prevent tumor rupture.

How does neuroblastoma typically present?

A non-tender abdominal mass that crosses the midline, periorbital ecchymoses, and bone pain.

What are hallmark symptoms of brain tumors in children?

Morning headaches and vomiting, often related to changes in intracranial pressure.

What is the most common bone cancer in children?

Osteosarcoma, commonly affecting the femur during growth spurts.

What is the purpose of induction therapy in chemotherapy?

To achieve complete remission or reduce leukemic cells to less than 5% in bone marrow.

Name a benefit of proton beam radiation for pediatric patients.

It minimizes damage to surrounding healthy tissue by delivering a focused dose.

What are common side effects of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT)?

Mucositis, diarrhea, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), and increased infection risk.

What is the mechanism of CAR-T therapy?

It reprograms T-cells to recognize and destroy cancer cells, used in ALL.

What is the main surgical treatment for osteosarcoma?

Limb salvage surgery or amputation, depending on tumor location and size.

How is mucositis managed in children undergoing cancer treatment?

Provide saline rinses, pain relief, prescription mouthwashes, and monitor for infection.

What is the recommended platelet threshold for transfusion in children with thrombocytopenia?

Platelets should be transfused when levels drop below 50,000 cells/mm³.

What interventions are critical during a febrile episode in neutropenic patients?

Obtain blood cultures and administer broad-spectrum antibiotics within one hour.

What nutritional support is recommended for children undergoing chemotherapy?

High-calorie, high-protein diets to support energy needs and tissue repair.

What precautions should families of neutropenic children take?

Maintain strict hand hygiene, avoid sick contacts, and thoroughly cook food.

What is the pathophysiology of leukemia?

Uncontrolled proliferation of immature WBCs crowds out normal bone marrow cells, leading to anemia, thrombocytopenia, and infections.

What differentiates Hodgkin’s lymphoma from Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma?

Hodgkin's lymphoma has Reed-Sternberg cells and spreads predictably, whereas Non-Hodgkin's spreads diffusely and rapidly.

What is the underlying cause of osteosarcoma?

Malignant bone-forming cells in the metaphysis of long bones, often during periods of rapid growth.

What are Reed-Sternberg cells, and what condition are they associated with?

They are malignant cells found in Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

What genetic mutation is linked to retinoblastoma?

Mutation in the RB1 gene, which causes retinal tumor development.